How Will Miami's Wide Receiver Battles Play Out In Spring Football?
Miami's wide receiver room might be deeper than you thought.
The room is populated by two of the ACC's top three returning receivers along with a handful of former blue chip recruits with high upside. While two starting jobs seem virtually decided, a third remains open for competition. Miami WR's Coach Kevin Beard has the exciting task of getting a deep rotation ready to compete for playing time in 2024.
Spring football opens on March 4th. The competitions will begin. I have broken down Miami's wide receiver room into four tiers.
Tier One: The Proven Commodities
Xavier Restrepo will be Miami's starting slot receiver barring something earth-shattering and unforeseen. "X" was Mr. Reliable last year. He led Miami with 85 receptions and 1,092 yards. He was second in the ACC in both of those stats.
Jacolby George should retain his starting spot, too. He's shifty, explosive and has a nose for the end zone. He was first on the team and second in the ACC with 8 receiving touchdowns last year. He caught 57 passes for 864 yards in 2023.
Tier Two: Probable starter, but must earn it
I put Isaiah Horton in a tier all by himself because his situation is truly different from the rest of the receiver room. He has slightly more experience than anyone outside tier one, but his starting spot is not set in stone. At 6-4, he has the frame best suited to take the spot formerly occupied by Colbie Young. Horton showed flashes in limited playing time last season. He caught 13 passes for 168 yards and a 52 yard deep touchdown against Texas A&M.
Tier Three: Next men up
Things can get very exciting on Saturdays this fall if Ray Ray Joseph and Joshisa Trader reach their potential quickly. Joseph earned a moderate amount of snaps last season but was relatively quiet with 6 catches for 36 yards. His top end speed and elusiveness can make him a secret weapon if used correctly. Expect him to play a similar role to what Brashard Smith used to play at The U. Ray Ray has a higher ceiling than Smith did.
In Trader's case, I put him in this tier despite zero collegiate experience. He's making a strong case for himself already by standing out in offseason workouts. He played high level high school ball at Chaminade-Madonna and is mature on and off the field for his age. Trader is looking so impressive early on that some have wondered if he can steal the third starting spot. We'll know more once the pads come on.
Tier Four: X-Factors
Shemar Kirk is heading into his second year at Miami after transferring in from junior college. Kirk didn't put up any stats last season in very limited work, but I loved his JUCO film and can envision him making a jump this season. Kirk will be someone to watch closely in spring practices. His ability to create yards after catch gives him a chance to jump into tier three or even tier two.
Robby Washington had limited reps as a true freshman last year but I expect this former 4-Star prospect to carve out a niche in the rotation sooner or later. He had some good moments in fall camp last August.
Ny Carr is an early enrollee freshman who brings bonafide track speed to The U. I'm so happy he is here for the spring session to get a head start. A redshirt year might be in his immediate future but we'll get a better idea after spring practices.
Chance Robinson is gonna be a starter at Miami someday. For now, he's in tier four since he isn't able to enroll early. We won't see Robinson on campus until the summer, but I cannot wait to watch the former St. Thomas Aquinas standout in fall camp.
I love the talent on Miami's roster but it's notable that beyond Restrepo and George, there isn't much experience at the college level. If the tier threes and fours don't step up big time this spring, Miami might look to bring in a veteran through the Transfer Portal in April. The portal will be open again between April 15th and 30th.
More: Miami Spring Football Preview: Who And What Are We Most Excited To See?
